HERA Awards 2026: Sandy Manfroy, LSM alumnus, wins the Sustainable Economy/Social Economy Award

Each year, the HERA Awards, organised by the Foundation for Future Generations, recognise student dissertations that offer practical solutions to major sustainability challenges. 

This year, Sandy Manfroy, LSM alumnus in Management, won the HERA Award for Sustainable Economy/Social Economy, for her work titled “Diversification strategies and profitability in a small-scale farming project: Establishing an orchard, vegetable garden and livestock farm using agroecological principles to create a model of complementary entrepreneurship”.

Under the guidance of Professor Eric Cornuel, Sandy Manfroy has demonstrated the feasibility and economic viability of a cooperative agricultural project aimed at promoting local produce through small-scale processing and collective marketing in the Gembloux region. 

Sandy’s project is based on a micro-farm dedicated to agroecological production and, on the promotion, via short supply chains, of produce supplied by farmers and market gardeners within a ten-kilometre radius. Sandy sets out recommendations for the success of such cooperative projects based on the principles of the social economy. These include participatory governance involving producers, citizens and partners; a diversified funding strategy; a gradual ramp-up; the creation of a strong local identity; close collaboration with existing infrastructure; and the diversification of distribution channels, amongst others. 

This project advocates a model of resilience for producers and offers a concrete response to the challenges of the current agricultural system.

The jury praised the relevance of the topic and the comprehensive approach proposed, as well as the practical nature of the case study. In addition, it highlighted the inspiring potential of the model developed for local initiatives and agricultural transitions.

Sandy Manfroy completed her Master’s degree in Management in June 2025. She is also a bioengineer and currently works at DiversiFERM and Winch Projects, two organisations that support project leaders in the Walloon agricultural sector.

LSM warmly congratulates Sandy for her outstanding work and for receiving this well-deserved award. If you would like more information about her work, visit the following website.